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Month: November 2017

An interesting round of matches that has made the league tighter than it was last week. St Jospeh’s leapfrogged United into 2nd courtesy of their 2-1 win over Lynx. It turned out to be an entertaining match and testament to the improvement the Yellow and Blacks have made off late. Lincoln saw off Mons Calpe via a solitary goal to sail away over the horizon while Europa FC confirmed their recovery by climbing into 4th place by beating Man 62 2-0. Gibraltar United dropped two points against Gibraltar Phoenix and Glacis United chalked a third successive win at the expense of Lions FC.

Due to the forthcoming works at the Victoria Stadium Round 9 has been spread over a few weeks and this weekend sees the playing of the remaining fixtures. The outstanding fixture sees 3rd vs 4th place when Gibraltar United square off against Europa FC on Sunday evening. Lynx and Man 62 play a basement battle of a fixture with the winner guaranteed a 3 point gap from the foot of the table. The last game pits 1st versus 2nd as rampant Lincoln take on St Jospeh’s in what is an early Christmas cracker of a weekend of football.

Jamie Bosio on for Igor Djoman
Aymen Mouehli on for Michael Negrette
Javier Cantelmi on for Manuel Roman Salado

Suspensions and form have forced Manolo’s hand for this crucial game against Phoenix. Elghobashy starts a three match ban while Aguiar misses out today for his double yellow versus Glacis United. Roman comes back into the starting XI while Pipo takes up Aguiar’s berth. Bosio and Mouelhi are rested while Djoman makes his first start in the Premier Division. Brad also makes his first start since his injury in matchday 2. A win is an absolute necessity to get our season back on track and leap frog St Joseph’s back into second place.

A game that United threw away through profligacy on front of goal and negative tactics on the part of the manager. Phoenix were able to peg back a 2 goal disadvantage in the last 10 minutes of the game, a game that Gib Utd had dominated for 80 minutes.

United were in complete control of the match from the kick off. Though Phoenix had a fair amount of possession United’s defence marshalled by Barnett and midfield, where Baio excelled once again, stifled any attacking intent. The first chance of the match came from a powerful Roman shot that was well handled by Phoenix’s man of the match, thier keeper Ruiz Garrido.

Phoenix tried to impose their physicality but United, with Djoman supporting Baio in midfield were able to counter that threat and use the flanks to great effect. Ramalho in particular grabbed his chance with both hands. He used his guile and skill to great effect throughout the match and he created the first of four clear chances wasted by Salado as he put him in on through the keeper only for the striker to blast his effort wide.

United took the lead in the half hour mark with Negrette chalking up another assist by feeding Pipo on the edge of the box. Following some fancy footwork from the Portugese magician he was able to put the ball past Garrido to give United a well deserved lead. United in cruise control as Phoenix were forced into an early sub due to injury. Meireles then put Roman through on the keeper for the second time on the cusp of half time. As Garrido came out to narrow the angle Roman put his right footed effort wide of the marl. Mr Warwick brought the first 45 to end immediately after.

Roman had another excellent chance to score again straigth after the kick off. He was put through by Djoman but his lob over the keeper sailed aimlessly over the bar. Though he had left his shooting boots at home Roman’s pace was impossible for the Phoenix defence to deal with. He harried them incessantly and was a constant darting missle as Phoenix tried to play the ball out of defence. A third one on one on the keeper, a chance he forged due to his electric pace, forced Garrido into the save of the match as he brilliantly turned the effort wide. One can forgive Roman no squaring the ball to Pipo, unmarked in the area and certain to score, seeing that his efforts had created the chance.

Pipo was, however, to chalk up his second goal a few minutes later. He displayed some dazzling footwork in the 6 yard box sending defenders one way and then the next, the latter completely aware that any touch would have meant a penalty. Pipo was left to calmly give the keeper the eyes and slot the ball past him to put United 2-0 up and seemingly heading to three points.

Shortly after it began to unravel. Roman squandered an umpteenth chance sending a shot so close wide of the post that it must have shaved silvers off it. The manager then made his substitutes and it allowed Phoenix to creep into the game. Djoman and Negrette came off for Mouehli and Bosio. He handed the initiative to the opponent at at time when United were dominant and asserting themselves in all facets, indeed Chino had only one save to make from Narvaez to that point.

As a more defensive mentality took hold United went deeper and deeper and allowed Phoenix that silver of hope. What seemed an unecessary shift of mentality set off a red alert when Narvaez pulled one back. Nervousness and uncertainty crept into United’s game, whatever masterplan Manolo had had in mind was unravelling before his very eyes as wave after wave of Phoenix pressure, not seen before this point, assaulted Chino’s goal. The mistake was finally compounded in the 88th minute, yet another late goal conceded, with Phoenix getting an equaliser from Carrasco, though it had the strong wiff off offside. Rosato had a late chance to seal the game but his header, subsequently flagged offside, went over the bar from point blank range.

A game that was in the bag ended up as a draw through negative tactics and a bad day at the office for Roman. A game that United should have put to bed way earlier was settled late on. United now third face Europa FC on Sunday 3rd December in the last game before the extended break.

Gibraltar Phoenix were founded in 2011 and gained promotion for the first time at the end of their maiden season. The step up to first division football, however, was tough and they were relegated the following season without earning a single point. They remained a 2nd division club for the remaining two seasons, locking horns with United in the 2014/15 season, indeed United’s first official league match after the relaunch was a 4-1 victory over Phoenix. They regained Premier League status last season after blitzing the Second Division. Rumours abounded over the Summer of the recontstruction programme the club has undergone but their start to the season has been inconsistent.

United come into the game in downward sprial of form that has seen them not score for two consecutive games. Not only that, United saw two reds in the game versus Glacis meaning that Manolo will be forced to reshuffle his pack. Phoenix beat lions inextremis last Monday in a Matchday 9 fixture, and come into the game on Saturday full of confidence. They currently sit 8th on 6 points and have former United players Ashley Rodriguez and Dion Hammond in their ranks. United know only a win will do to get the season back on track and the recent results have handed this fixture a certain edge. Kick off is Saturday evening at 20:30.

Lincoln continued with their 100% start to the season by seeing Lions off comfortably 3-1 in the opening game of the round. Europa saw off Lynx 2 -0, while Mons defeated St Jospeh’s . This result allows United to remain 2nd after the debacle against Glacis that saw us finish with 9 on the field of play. Lynx once again dropped to the bottom of the table as both Phoenix and Man 62 shared a point in each in their 1 all draw in the Thursday evening kick off.

Round 8 has some very interesting ties considering that 2nd to 7th place are only separated by 4 points. Man 62 face a resurgent Europa on Wednesday with the Green and Blacks seeking a thrid win on the spin. Lynx have a tough match against St Jospeh’s while Mons Calpe are the next side to test Lincoln’s mettle. Glacis vs Lions is another interesting match up with the Clarets and Blues looking for the ninth point in three games after an indifferent start to the season. United and Phoenix close Round 8 on Saturday evening with Gib Utd seeking to get back to winning ways.

United are looking to bounce back after last week’s loss to Lincoln. The only change in the line up is up front where Manolo is giving Elghobashy a start while Roman drops to the bench having been ill during the week. Glacis come into the game after a morale booster of a win against Mons Calpe on Monday and with several former United players in their ranks the game may prove to be a feisty affair.

A very bad day at the office for Gibraltar United as Glacis United took home a valuable victory by 2 goals to nil. United started the stronger of the two teams with Aymen putting a corner wide in the early exchanges of the game. Glacis were happy to contain United’s attack demonstrating their defensive doggedness that has characterised their season.

Teams line up before the kick off

The game was a hard one with many fouls and the referee having to blow his whistle with regularity. Yet for the first 30 minutes it was just Gonzalez in the Glacis goal that had only been called into action. 35 minutes in and the game turned. Elghobashy won a free kick which was followed by some afters. Glacis players were claiming a headbutt; following appeals to Mr Borg he immediately showed Ayman the red card and issued him his marching orders. United with 10 men and no striker on the pitch. Rules are rules and they are to be respected however when the rules are applied with the level of inconsistency shown during this match then questions need to be asked. Glacis began to creep into the game with the one man advantage they now possessed. Chino gathered up a meek corner as a second weak Glacis header signalled the end of the first controversial 45.

Manolo introduced Roman for Bosio at the start of the second half as United continued to dominate the play as Glacis looked for the counter. Indeed it was after a foul on Roman that Glacis qucikly threw the ball upfield and Gonzalez was able to beat Chino to give the Claret and Blues the lead. 1-0 down and with 10 men, Gib Utd were up against it. But the fight did not go out of the team as they sought to equalise. Mr Borg continued to dish out yellows as the match appeared to move out of his control. A tussle by the by line, right in front of the linesman, saw a Glacis player lash out, violent conduct one may ask? United supporters were irate as they were expecting the letter of the law to be applied as it had been in the first half. Yet it was only a yellow card that was flashed, another example of the frustrating officiating on evidence.

Pipo replaced Negrette and his guile and skill gave new wind to United’s attacking impetus. It was clear that if anyone was going to unlock this Glacis defence it was going to be him. Indeed it was his shot that was brilliantly saved by Gonzalez. A great piece of goalkeeping that frustrated United once again. Shortly after there was a loud clamour around the stadium for a Glacis handball on the goaline. No eagle eyed officals around when one needed them the most!

With United looking for that elusive equaliser, Mahamud put the game to bed with a clumsy finsh on the 90th minute to give Glacis the 3 points. It was not an attractive game of football and United stay 2nd thanks to Mons’ earlier victory over St Joseph’s. Certainly there is some work to be done on the training pitch as United, for the first time this season, fail to score in consecutive games.

Glacis United is a name synonymous with local football and the North District of Gibraltar. Its club crest has two of the most distinctive features of the area depiciting the Sundial and Smith Dorrien Bridge. Formed in 1965 Glacis United became a relative dominant force in the 60’s and 70’s, winning 9 consecutive titles between 1966 and 1974.

Their recent history has not been as illustrious and have flirted with relegation until last season when they challenged strongly for a European spot finishing 4th. Gibraltar vs Glacis games have been close fought affairs and there is a certain amount of rivalry between the clubs judging by the transfer activity from one club to another. 5 Gibraltar United players that were on our roster last season now don the Claret and Blue which is sure to add some spice to the game this coming Saturday.

United go into the game with a full bill of health and eager to get back to winning ways after the defeat to Lincoln. Glacis won their last fixture 1-0 vs Mons Calpe, a Round 9 fixture advanced to last Monday, and their current league position is not a true reflection of what they have shown on the field. The Red and Whites and the Clarets and Blues lock horns this Saturday at 20:30.

The tie of the round was settled by a solitary Falu Andrade goal midway through the second half which left Lincoln FC 5 points ahead of United in second. Lynx finally got their first goals and points by defeating Gib Phoenix 2-1. Europa also recovered from the disappointment of once again dropping points last week by defeating St Joseph’s 1-0; a result that permits Gibraltar United to remain in 2nd place. Lions were also able to see Mons Calpe off 2-1 while Glacis United and Man 62 shared the spoils in a 1 all draw at the basement end of the league.

Round 7 kicks off on Wednesday night with Lincoln vs Lions FC, an interesting game between two teams in form. Lynx will seek to continue their revival but Europa FC will also seek to chalk more points on the board and start to claw their way up the table. Gibraltar United square off against Glacis United and will seek to put the disappointment of the Lincoln result behind them. Phoenix and Man 62 is played on Thursday evening while the St Joseph’s vs Mons Calpe match on Saturday sees two evenly matched sides squaring off.

Ayman Elghobashy on for Michael Negrette
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Jamie Bosio
Tito De Torres on for Andre De Oliviera Farinha

Manolo gives recent signing from AS Roma, Mattia Rosato his debut in detriment to Alberto who drops to the bench. Otherwise it’s as we were with the manager retaining faith in the unit that has won three games on the bounce. Roman, full of confidence after his brace last week, leads the line with a compact and solid unit behind him.

A very peculiar sight greeted the gathered supporters at the Victoria Stadium this evening as the teams walked out. United as the Home team were resplendant in their Red and White striped kits, Lincoln as the Away team sported their Home colours of Red and Black stripes. The question being asked around the stands was if the referee had actually seen the kits before kick off as the potential for a kit clash and the confusion arising out of it was immense. This shot taken in the second half highlights the issue.

Lincoln kicked off the highly anticipated match and for the first 30 minutes United looked the more threatening of the two teams. Roman had Soler in action early on and Negrette blazed a long range shot wide after some fancy footwork afforded him space to shoot. Rosato, making his debut, was impressing with his pace and power but was soon in the book after a clash with Jean Carlos Garcia that left the latter with a bloodied nose. The game was close and intense with Lincoln enjoying spells of possession but creating little.

Their first chance fell to Bardon who fired from close in but could not beat Chino who pounced on the shot and kept the score at 0-0. Their second attempt came from a Calderon free kick that was once again saved by Chino. As the half crept to a close however, United rode their luck. A Falu header was brilliantly saved onto the crossbar by the United Captain, hit the line and was met by the cat like Chino that reacted faster than anyone to the action to safely gather the ball up. Mr Canepa shortly blew for half time and brought an exciting 45 minutes to a close. Both teams were evenly matched up with perhaps Lincoln being the most clinical but coming up against an inform Chino in goal.

United kicked the second half off and the match continued to stay at even pegging with both teams enjoying spells with the ball but not finding a way through. United’s attacking players were lacking the penetration to feed Roman while Lincoln’s forays were largely long balls looking for Falu. It was clear that this was a game of fine margins and the tension was palpable. Tension that was fed by a refereeing performance that agitated a lot of the match going public.

Chino was finally beaten by a Falu Aranda shot in the 65th minute. The keeper was able to parry a powerful Cabrera shot from distance but the force behind it made it ricochet off Chino’s gloves. Falu was quickest to react and struck the ball past the keeper and into United’s net. Manolo reacted instantly and threw on Elghobashy and Ramalho, both scorers in the week with the Reserves. The former’s strength and power was an instant handful for the Lincoln defence that soon had 3 men in and around Ayman. Pipo’s close ball control and class are a wonder to behold but the Red Imp’s line held firm. As time ebbed away De Torres was given his debut replacing an exhausted Farinha to add further attacking impetus as United sought an equaliser.

Mr Canepa started to brandish yellow cards as is if they were sweets on Halloween as 5 players went into the book in the last 10 minutes of the game as tensions rose and the clock wound down to full time. Aguiar blasted United’s final clear chance over the bar as the referee brought the match to an end after 5 minutes of added time at the end.

This team’s spirit is strong and determined!

Though the match and the points had been lost United players and staff can be proud that they went toe to toe against Lincoln for most of the match. This was evident in the tightness of the scoreline and the tension evident on the pitch. A first defeat of the season in any competition and a very honourable loss too. It leaves United still in second place awaiting the outcome of the St Joseph’s vs Europa match being played on Saturday. Our next game is on Saturday 18th November when we square off against Glacis United.

Lincoln Red Imps FC were founded 1976 and they are the most lauded club in Gibraltar’s recent football history, They recorded a run of 14 consecutive titles, which was brought to an end by Europa FC last season. They were also Gibraltar’s first representatives in the UEFA Champions League and recorded perhaps Gibraltar’s most famous Club scalp when they defeated Celtic 1-0 at the Victoria.

Lincoln have started the season in fine form with 5 out of 5. They regained the Pepe Reyes Cup and defeated Europa FC 3-1 in a recent league feature. United are yet to record a single point in 7 encounters with the Imps but United’s form this season has been excellent and make this fixture a top two clash and promises to be an exciting match for spectators. Chino had this to say about the game, ‘another final for us on Friday and another big test for everyone. We all know that Lincoln have a good squad but we come into this game in good form and we are training hard to prepare ourselves for another battle!’ While vice-captain Bosio added, ‘we take it the same as we have done with all the others so far. Obviously it’s going to be built as a big game as it’s first against second but we go into it as underdogs again.’

Lincoln’s might against the never-say-die attitude of United’s finely edged sword. Both teams are scoring freely and are keeping it tight at the back. Kick off is scheduled for Friday at 20:30!

Vi et Animo, Ad Victoriam

Gibraltar Football – 16th October 2015 – Last seasons league champions Lincoln won comfortably against newly promoted Gibraltar United. The seven – nil scoreline could have been double figures except for the heroic saves made by Gibraltar United keeper. Lincoln who have a bulk of the national squad as their players, having recently returned from international duty were three – nil ahead by half time.A controversial second goal in the first half saw Lincoln move ahead and increase the frequency of attacks as the Gibraltar United defence struggled to keep back Lincoln, demonstrating the divide between the top two teams and the rest of the division.